Conor McKenna return from Australia could prove a boost for Tyrone

Tyrone could be handed a huge boost with former under-age star Conor McKenna revealing that he plans to "be home in the next few years".

McKenna is currently on the books of AFL side Essendon but is back in his home county after the season was suspended following the Covid-19 outbreak.

And he revealed: "I will be home permanently in the next few years. Whether it's this year or next year I'm just not sure at the minute.

"I've always had the idea I'd like to return home to Eglish and, if good enough, for Tyrone. It's been five and a half years now and I always think about the opportunity to come back.

"I didn't grow up dreaming of playing AFL, I'm very fortunate to have the opportunity at the minute, but I did grow up dreaming of playing for Tyrone, winning Ulsters and winning All-Irelands.

"I want to play for Eglish first and see if I can kick the ball straight, then reassess from there."

AFL players have taken a pay cut of 50%, which could rise to 80% depending on when the league returns to action.

McKenna has 18 months left to run on his current deal and has been in Australia since late 2014 after a brilliant under-age career with Tyrone.

The 24-year-old returned home late last year and drew the ire of his employers when he lined out for Eglish in a relegation play-off game. He scored a second-half goal in that game to help his club retain their status.

The AFL season is officially suspended until June but is widely expected to remain on hold until at least July or August.